Facing a must-win situation

 

August 14 2009

Shepparton News

There are few secrets and surprises left between Tatura and Shepparton United as the contenders for finals places in Goulburn North East Football Association clash at Howley Oval on Sunday.

Both teams could yet win their way into the qualifying final against Shepparton South, but also face the prospect of dropping out of the finals altogether.

United goes into the match with 21 points in third, ahead of Tatura on 20 in fourth, while Cobram Victory and Cobram sits on the edge of the finals with 19 points each.

Both teams will be without experience in defence, with United's Jimmy Avram suspended for another two games, while Matt Georgiou and Tatura's Adrian Corbo have incurred one-match bans for their third yellow cards of the season.

Avram's absence will put a lot of pressure on the United backline that got a first-hand look at Tatura's game plan on song when David Turkovic headed the Ibises to a 3-1 win in round eight.

``Our season is definitely on a knife edge,'' Blues coach Jason Mulkeen said.

``We learnt a few lessons from (last time), their two-prong attack force is very good in the air.

``I think the majority of their goals come through balls knocked out wide, it's a case of trying to compete with their aerial danger.''

Sunday will be United's last game of the home and away season, while Tatura will play arch rival and minor premier Shepparton South in the last round.

Ibises coach Reno Lia said his team was not going to deflect from its strengths.

``It's whether they can combat it, we're not going to change the way we play,'' Lia said.

``They've (United) scored a lot of goals and everyone's up and running.

``I can only speak for myself, the club might be feeling a bit of pressure but I'm certainly not.''

Lia said Terry Kappadais' experience in the backline would be crucial in the absence of Corbo.

``It's good, what a game for them to play,'' Lia said.

``We'd love to have Corbs in this game but that's the price you pay.''